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Review
. 2020 Feb;120(2):22-33.
doi: 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000654304.29632.a7.

CE: An Evidence-Based Update on Contraception

Affiliations
Review

CE: An Evidence-Based Update on Contraception

Laura E Britton et al. Am J Nurs. 2020 Feb.

Abstract

Contraception is widely used in the United States, and nurses in all settings may encounter patients who are using or want to use contraceptives. Nurses may be called on to anticipate how family planning intersects with other health care services and provide patients with information based on the most current evidence. This article describes key characteristics of nonpermanent contraceptive methods, including mechanism of action, correct use, failure rates with perfect and typical use, contraindications, benefits, side effects, discontinuation procedures, and innovations in the field. We also discuss how contraceptive care is related to nursing ethics and health inequities.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors and planners have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
The Hormonal Regulation of Ovulation At left: the hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete the gonadotropins luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). LH and FSH stimulate the growth and maturation of the ovarian follicles. The mature follicle secretes estrogen, inhibiting the hypothalamus from further GnRH production (until the next reproductive cycle). At right: after ovulation, blood levels of LH and FSH fall, and the ruptured follicle, now a corpus luteum, secretes estrogen and progesterone to prepare the uterine lining for fertilization and implantation. Adapted with permission from Encyclopædia Britannica, © 2013 by Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
The Transdermal Patch
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
The Vaginal Ring
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
The Single-Rod Implant

References

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